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Topic Review (Newest First)

10-17-2012 05:45 PM

agentmaroon108

Has anybody done anything with replacing the alternator completely? I know it's a big jump, but is it possible its causing all of these problems? I know my focus is 10 years old and it sounds like most others with this problem own one around the same age. Also, this problem isnt limited to automatic transmissions, mines a 5 speed; I've always understood that a manual transmission is allegedly more reliable.

09-26-2012 02:02 PM

SE2002

the SE 2002 Im fixing has that problem. I took it for a ride and the OD button did nothing in the rpm, and it does take off as if it was in the last gear, very sluggish and it doesn't downshift from od to 3, I have to really press the gas pedal to force the car to downshift to 2 or 1st, and that is from almost a dead stop. once the car takes off its harder to make it go if I have to go fast, as in rolling a light or a curve.

I saw a different thread here talking about it but can't remember which it was, it was recent though. make sure the car is not running hot. I had an Accord with auto lock tranny and when the thermostat died it stuck open the rpms went higher than normal. once I replaced the Tsat it all came back to normal.

gl

09-26-2012 06:10 AM

oshoguno

Good point. Maybe the overdrive solenoid is stuck. Do you know if this is a known issue with the focus or are you just suggesting it as a general transmission fault?

09-25-2012 02:50 PM

SE2002

take car for a spin and at cruising speed(50MPH)try pushing the OD button on the shifter(if equipped) if the rpms don't change have the tranny checked by a tranny shop.

if the tranny doesn't have an OD button post rpm at a steady speed, say 50 or above preferably. just after the tranny has shifted to all gears, specially last OD gear.

post speed and rpm at such speed.

09-25-2012 11:27 AM

cma8302000

Hey everyone...I just want to thank everyone for all the input, help, suggestions ect. My brother came down from NY for a funeral and drove the car and suggested that maybe I try starting out in 1st gear and manually shift till it gets past that crappy point..it's seems to be working so I will go with that right now..otherwise , I will just park it and deal with it at a later date when I can get my head back together...Thanks again everyone..

09-20-2012 04:34 PM

oshoguno

I have had this happen to me before on a GM car. It would not keep running (poorly) but would be like stopping a manual car without popping the clutch. Nice find though, good research!

On the link above, you will find the statement, "If the torque converter fails to release at all, it can cause the engine to buck and stall when coming to a stop."
It may be that, and while the Torque Converter is always engaged by the engine, I still have doubts about about how it would cause your issues even in "P" or "N"....

09-18-2012 04:20 PM

cma8302000

Quote:

Originally Posted by oshoguno

I am not sure how much it costs and it would depend on the shop. The dealer could but they would be the most expensive. I think there is a loaner program available at some places but I am not an expert in this regard. The logger would track all the sensor readings while you drive and then you can bring them up on a laptop and someone who knows what they are doing can check out the results. It could show you things like a drop in fuel pressure, air flow readings when compared to engine rpm, etc.. The problem with your car is that it needs to be diagnosed and nobody is doing that, they are just guessing at possible causes and playing swaptronics with parts.

Yes! Swaptronics is an expensive game ...I am pretty stressed over this car..Guess I have to do some research on this data logging..thanks for your help.

09-18-2012 01:43 PM

oshoguno

I am not sure how much it costs and it would depend on the shop. The dealer could but they would be the most expensive. I think there is a loaner program available at some places but I am not an expert in this regard. The logger would track all the sensor readings while you drive and then you can bring them up on a laptop and someone who knows what they are doing can check out the results. It could show you things like a drop in fuel pressure, air flow readings when compared to engine rpm, etc.. The problem with your car is that it needs to be diagnosed and nobody is doing that, they are just guessing at possible causes and playing swaptronics with parts.

09-17-2012 08:16 PM

cma8302000

Quote:

Originally Posted by whynotthinkwhynot

No data logging is driving the car with a data log device connected. It gives a viewable analysis of the sensors as the engine is running. Usually, it's a flash programmer hooked up to a laptop.

Do I need to take this to a dealer to have done or can any repair shop do this and is it costly? thanks

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